Removals Insurance: What Goods in Transit Cover Means

Most people worry about damage on moving day, and it is a fair concern. Insurance is what protects you if something is broken or lost, but it is easy to assume you are covered without knowing what the cover actually includes. This guide explains the main types of cover and how to check them.

The types of cover to know about

• Goods in transit insurance. This covers your belongings while they are being loaded, carried, driven and unloaded by the company. It is the cover most relevant to your move.
• Public liability insurance. This covers injury to people and damage to property, such as a scratched wall or a damaged banister, caused by the company's work.
• Your own contents insurance. This is the policy you hold for your home. Some policies cover your belongings during a move and some do not, so check yours.

A reputable removal company should be able to tell you what it holds and give you proof if you ask.

What goods in transit cover usually includes

Policies differ, but cover often applies to damage or loss while your items are in the company's care. Things to check:

• The amount of cover. Is it enough to replace the contents of your home, or is it limited to a certain amount per item or per load?
• Whether it is for loss, damage or both.
• Whether it applies to the whole journey, including loading and unloading.
• How the company values claims, for example whether it pays the cost of repair, replacement or a depreciated value.

What is often excluded or limited

Many policies set limits or exclusions. Ask about:

• Items you pack yourself. Companies often will not cover breakages inside boxes that they did not pack, though they may cover the box if it is dropped.
• High value items, such as jewellery, cash, important documents and fine art, which are often excluded or limited.
• Fragile items such as glass and mirrors, which may need special arrangements.
• Pre-existing damage and wear.
• Electrical items and whether they work after the move.
• Items in storage, which may be covered differently from items in transit.

If you have anything unusual or valuable, tell the company when you ask for quotes so that you can find out how it will be treated.

Questions to ask each company

1. Are you insured for goods in transit and public liability?
2. What is the limit of cover, and is it per item or for the whole load?
3. Is there an excess?
4. What is not covered?
5. How do I make a claim, and how long do I have to report damage?
6. Can I see the certificate or policy summary?
7. Is my cover different if I pack myself?

Check your own insurance too

Call your home insurer and ask whether your contents policy covers items during a move. If it does not, or if the company's cover is limited, you can ask about extra cover for the day. Keep high value or sentimental items with you rather than on the van.

If something goes wrong

• Note the damage when you spot it, and photograph it.
• Tell the company straight away, ideally in writing, and check the deadline for claims.
• Keep the packaging and any evidence of the item's condition.
• Follow the company's claims process, and keep copies of everything you send.

A good company will have a clear process. If the response is vague, that is a signal to read their terms carefully.

Insurance and verified companies

Companies on Ecoplus are verified and insured, but you should still ask each one about the level and terms of its cover for your own move, because it can differ by job. Use our questions to ask a removal company when you compare, and see how to compare removal quotes.

Getting quotes

You can get free removal quotes through Ecoplus and compare them from verified, insured companies. Our moving house checklist will help you plan the rest, and our house removals service page explains what is usually included.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy extra cover for my move?

If you have high value or sentimental items, or the company's cover is limited, it is worth asking your insurer or the company about extra cover for the day. Keep the most valuable and irreplaceable things with you.

What if a company says it is insured but will not show proof?

Treat that as a warning sign. A reputable company will give you a certificate or policy summary when you ask.

Does insurance cover everything that could go wrong?

No. Policies usually have limits and exclusions, such as items you pack yourself or high value items. Ask what is not covered before you book.

Who is responsible if the company subcontracts the move?

Ask the company who will carry out your move and whether its insurance covers subcontractors. The answer should be clear and in writing.